Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard's Statement on the Passing of United States Secretary of State, Madeline Albright

Statement

Our nation lost a great American hero today.

Madeline Jana Korbel Albright immigrated to the United States from Czechoslovakia in 1948. By 1975, she earned her undergraduate degree from Wellesley College, obtained her PhD from Columbia University and became a Citizen of the United States of America.

Throughout her career she was heavily relied upon to advise heads of state from President Carter to President Clinton. President Clinton eventually appointed Madam Secretary Albright to serve as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, eventually appointing her to serve as the first woman ever selected to serve as Secretary of State.

She was a courageous advocate for Human rights, Women's rights, Civil Rights and religious protections. She was a trailblazer and shattered glass ceilings, never letting anything deter her from her goals and ambitions. America and women around the world will always be indebted to her for forging a path that demands we all have a seat at the table.

Madam Secretary Albright was also a dreamer, once remarking to an asylum seeker: "Can you believe that a refugee is Secretary of State? That is what America is about. Always opportunity and dreaming."

Today, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Madam Secretary Albright. Thank you for sharing her with us. We will never forget her service to our nation, defined by courage, kindness and love.

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